Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe
Introduction
This easy 15-minute lo mein recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that’s both quick and flavorful. Packed with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. Enjoy a classic takeout favorite made right at home.

Ingredients
- 8 oz dry egg noodles (or fresh lo mein noodles)
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1/4 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a large cabbage)
- 3 garlic cloves, diced
- 1 bunch green onion (green parts only)
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp corn starch
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, corn starch, white pepper, and oyster sauce until smooth. This sauce will give the dish its signature savory and slightly sweet flavor.
- Step 3: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the diced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the sliced carrots, yellow onion, and cabbage to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss well to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the noodles and vegetables.
- Step 7: Stir in the green onion greens and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For added protein, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu during the vegetable cooking step.
- Use hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas to increase the vegetable variety and crunch.
- If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle in some red chili flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Storage
Store leftover lo mein in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for lo mein?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with spaghetti, rice noodles, or even ramen noodles depending on what you have on hand. Just be mindful of their cooking times and texture differences.
Is oyster sauce necessary for this recipe?
Oyster sauce adds depth and a savory umami flavor, but you can omit it or replace it with vegetarian alternatives like mushroom-based sauces if needed.
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Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy 15-Minute Lo Mein recipe is a quick and delicious stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender egg noodles tossed with fresh vegetables and a savory, slightly sweet homemade sauce. Perfect for a weekday dinner, this recipe combines the crunch of carrots, cabbage, and onions with the aromatic flavors of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a satisfying and flavorful meal in just minutes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz Dry Egg Noodles (or fresh lo mein noodles)
Vegetables
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- 1/4 Yellow Onion, sliced
- 3 cups Cabbage, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of a large cabbage)
- 3 Garlic Cloves, diced
- 1 bunch Green Onion (green parts only)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (or regular sugar)
- 1 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Corn Starch
- 1/4 tsp White Pepper
- 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside to be combined later with the vegetables and sauce.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, water, sesame oil, cornstarch, white pepper, and oyster sauce until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This sauce will provide the signature savory and slightly sweet flavor for the lo mein.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Sauté the diced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced carrots, yellow onions, and cabbage, stirring frequently and cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables become tender-crisp but still retain some bite.
- Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the noodles and vegetables, then toss everything well to coat thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling nicely to the ingredients.
- Add green onions and serve: Stir in the green parts of the green onions and cook for another 30 seconds to incorporate their fresh flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and serve the lo mein immediately to enjoy the best texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the dry egg noodles with fresh lo mein noodles or spaghetti if needed.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sugar in the sauce according to your taste preference.
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu during the vegetable cooking step.
- Make sure not to overcook the vegetables to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the cornstarch slightly but add cautiously to avoid clumping.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Lo Mein, Easy Lo Mein, Stir Fry Noodles, Chinese Noodles, Quick Dinner, Egg Noodles, Vegetable Lo Mein

